The LA Dodgers are backing off on the throwing program for injured ace Clayton Kershaw, postponing a bullpen session while saying the left-hander hasn’t had any setbacks with his shoulder.
Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said Sunday there wasn’t a timetable for when Kershaw would throw in the bullpen or face live hitters.
Over three days, the update from Roberts changed from Kershaw throwing to hitters, to instead throwing a bullpen, to doing neither.
Kershaw threw on flat ground from the outfield before Sunday’s game at Texas.
The three-time NL Cy Young Award winner and 10-time All-Star hasn’t pitched in a game since June 27 because of left shoulder soreness.
![Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw, 35, has been on the Dodgers' injury list since June](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/07/23/19/wire-73526953-1690136285-276_634x422.jpg)
Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw, 35, has been on the Dodgers’ injury list since June
![Kershaw, left, testing out his shoulder with a teammate after a win over Texas on Saturday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/07/23/19/73527765-0-image-a-51_1690138736459.jpg)
Kershaw, left, testing out his shoulder with a teammate after a win over Texas on Saturday
Roberts has said Kershaw (10-4 with an MLB-best 2.55 ERA) won’t make a rehab start before returning to the active roster.
Roberts reiterated that Kershaw will throw a bullpen session before facing live hitters.
‘I just don’t know when that (bullpen) is going to happen,’ Roberts said. ‘I´m going to sit tight and wait for the green light from the training staff.
‘No pain, no setback.’
![Kershaw was unable to pitch at the All-Star game in Seattle despite being named a tenth time](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/07/23/19/73527767-0-image-a-52_1690138742227.jpg)
Kershaw was unable to pitch at the All-Star game in Seattle despite being named a tenth time
The 35-year-old Kershaw threw six scoreless innings at Colorado in his most recent game, which came a week after seven scoreless innings against the Angels.
He was 4-0 with a 1.09 ERA in five starts in June.
The Dodgers placed Kershaw on the 15-day injured list July 3, a day after he was selected as an NL All-Star for the 10th time to match the most selections in franchise history.
He attended the game in Seattle even though he wasn’t able to pitch.
‘I think it´s smart for us to not put a hard date,’ Roberts said. ‘I don´t think that´s fair to Clayton or the training staff, to be quite honest.’